Raise coming for regional district unionized staff

Unionized employees and the Regional District of Central Okanagan have reached agreement on a new five year contract.

Both the regional board and the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 338 have ratified the agreement which was reached after two days of bargaining last month.

The new agreement runs through Dec. 31, 2019, and provides a general wage increase of 2% retroactive to Jan. 1, 2015, with annual increases on March 31 in the following years: 2016 – 1.5%, 2017 – 1.5%, 2018 – 2% and 2019 – 1.5%. The contract also includes some adjustments in language and clarity.

Board Chair Gail Given says, “This agreement is consistent with other local government labour settlements negotiated in our area and provides competitive wages for our employees,”said RDCO board chair Gail Given, a City of Kelowna city councilor.

“t also ensures important services provided by the regional district will continue to be delivered across the region. The new agreement is prudent for taxpayers and is fiscally responsible, falling within the five year financial plan that was approved by the regional board in March.”

“The new agreement balances the needs of CUPE Local 338 and the RDCO,” added Scott Bruce, CUPE 338 vice-president. “CUPE members voted 95 per cent in favour of ratification. The new agreement offers 8.5 per cent increase over five years.”